Tigers coach Hardwick playing down unbeaten start

RICHMOND is keeping a lid on things despite growing confidence levels after the club's best start to a season since 2013.

The Tigers sit second on the ladder with a 3-0 record and will be looking to make that 4-0 when they tackle Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday.

Richmond last started a season 4-0 in 1995, a year which saw them make a preliminary final, and have beaten the Lions in each of the past nine meetings between the clubs.

But Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said the Lions had already proven to be a much improved side this year under new coach Chris Fagan and his troops would need to bring their best to continue the winning run.

"It's going to be a really good challenge for us to go up to Brisbane," Hardwick said.

"They're playing some pretty good footy without getting the results.

"Defensively they set up behind the ball very well.

"Offensively there's some things that they're doing that are quite exciting for their footy club.

"We've got to make sure we come to play because they're a side that is capable of kicking high scores in a short period of time."

Richmond has already won as many games as it did from its last 10 matches of 2016 but Hardwick said looking back was not his focus.

"All I can say this year is guys are playing good, consistent footy," he said.

"We've had solid contribution from 22 players week-in, week-out.

"Our VFL side's playing extremely well so there's real competition for spots.

"So we've been thoroughly pleased with what we've put out on the park over the first three rounds but we still realise we've got a fair way to go to where we want to be."